Roca: “Talks with UEFA froze because of the pandemic”
Technical director of Panathinaikos, Xavi Roca, revealed that talks with UEFA concerning the European ban broke down as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
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As a result of their financial problems, Panathinaikos were banned from participating in UEFA competitions for three years in 2018, with the club having been found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. Panathinaikos last participated in Europe in the 2017/2018 campaign as they were knocked out of the qualification playoffs of the UEFA Europa League.
In a recent interview with RAC1 in Catalonia, Panathinaikos technical director Roca revealed that talks with UEFA concerning lifting the ban have not yielded success, while also speaking about the resumption of the 2019/2020 Super League season:
European ban from UEFA: “The goal is to finish in European positions, but we can’t play in Europe as a result of the difficult situation which Panathinaikos endured in the past. We did, however, hold talks with UEFA with regard to receiving the licence next season. UEFA understood our position and was open to the proposal, the talks developed in a positive manner, but the situation froze because of the pandemic. It will now be very difficult to overturn the ban.”
Incentive for the remainder of the 2019/2020 campaign: “We want to play well and achieve positive results, while planning for next season at the same time. We have a lot of young players, so the playoffs will help them gain experience for the future. They need to boost their confidence for the big games.”
Transfer targets: “Football will not escape from the consequences of the pandemic. At the moment, we’re trying to form our budget. Of course, the situation is different for each club, depending on whether you play in Europe or not. We depend on sponsors, television rights, tickets and other areas of income, but our revenues will fall.”
Roca, 46, has been working with Panathinaikos since November 2019.
Panathinaikos qualified for the championship playoffs of the Super League by finishing in fourth place of the regular season. However, as previously reported on AGONAsport, owner Giannis Alafouzos has now informed Giorgos Donis that he won’t continue coaching Panathinaikos into next season. The Prasini’s playoff campaign begins on Sunday against AEK at the Olympic Stadium.
